Surely one of the most exciting Mid-Major conference tournaments will be held in Dayton, Ohio. The Atlantic 10 has a bevy of teams attempting to cement an at-large spot or steal a bid to the dance. With the action tipping off Wednesday, it’s time to take a look at some teams and players to watch.
The Favorites:
VCU Rams: Mike Rhodes’ team is one of the two that will receive a double bye in Dayton. Buoyed by a mid-season seven game conference win streak over the league’s best. The Rams have arguably the best player in the conference with star guard Nah’shon Hyland. Surrounding him is a deep squad that sees nine players get significant time.
Saint Bonaventure Bonnies: Mark Schmidt always has his team in the thick of the A10 race and 2021 is no different. The Bonnies claimed the regular season title and will look to put a stamp on their NCAA Tournament hopes in Dayton. The team is led by a starting lineup of five juniors playing 80% of minutes. Guard Kyle Lofton is the name to watch averaging 15 points and 5 assists per game.
Teams to Watch:
Richmond and Saint Louis: Both the Spiders and Billikens fall in the same category going into the tournament. Picked one and two in the league, they have fallen somewhat short of preseason expectations. Richmond has fallen off since its eye opening wins in non-conference play. On the other hand, SLU has had a difficulty establishing rhythm due to multiple COVID pauses. With all this, do not be surprised if either senior laden team comes out and takes home the title.
Davidson: Talent and coaching are often the keys to winning conference tournaments. The Wildcats have both and are a real sleeper in Dayton. Kellen Grady is the type of guard that can take over for a week and no one wants to face a Bob Mckillop coached team on short notice.
Players to Watch:
Nah’shon Hyland, VCU: Bones is probably going to be conference player of the year. The dead-eye shooter has a bag full of tricks and unlimited range on the perimeter. Do not be surprised when he is a first round pick this summer.
Jordan Goodwin, SLU: Goodwin forms the head of a dynamic senior trio for the Billikens. One of the best rebounders in America, he is averaging a double double on the season at 6’3. The guard has also improved his play making and efficiency looking to take SLU to the tournament for the first time since 2018.
Tre Mitchell, UMASS: The Sophomore for the Minutemen has been just as dynamic this season, as he was last year. He is a huge reason why UMASS can grab a top four seed in the A10 Tournament Monday Afternoon. Averaging 18 and 7, the big man is a threat to score at all three levels on the court.
Jalen Crutcher, Dayton: After playing Robin to Obi Toppin’s Batman in 2020, Crutcher has taken the reigns for Dayton. The guard is one of the most efficient perimeter scorers in the country. He does this while being the primary play maker for the Flyer offense. A special week from him could see Dayton stealing a bid in their home arena
Blake Francis, Richmond: Pick your poison here from the Spiders but I’ll take Francis. The diminutive lefty is one of the most fun players to watch in America. The Wagner transfer leads Richmond in scoring at 16 points per game and is incredible at getting into the lane, especially for someone that stands 5’9. He and his teammates will look to claim an auto bid for Chris Mooney’s team.
The Prediction: Saint Louis
The Billikens are the most talented team in the league. Combine that with the desperation of needing to win the conference tournament and a complete four game performance might be seen. Jordan Goodwin, Hasahn French and Javonte Perkins combine for a trio that might be the best in the league. Those three combined with quality depth will see SLU cut down the nets in Dayton.